In cities like Victoria a large proportion of the young people live in apartments. Apartment living can be a challenge to personalize but with a few tips you can make the space your own with a small budget. Today it’s all about Design Tips for Apartment Living

Replacing hardware is easy to do if you choose the same size for your new ones. Image: Love and Renovations

1. Update your hardware

DO update hardware in a tired kitchen. It can change the whole feel of a tired kitchen with little investment.

2. Accents walls

DO paint or wallpaper one accent wall. It is a small job to repaint that one wall when you move but will add a nice hit of colour or accent to an otherwise simple apart

Vinyl wall stickers are also easy to apply and remove.

If you aren’t allowed to paint a wall you can paint a very large canvas in a stunning colour and it will act as art.

An accent wall in an apartment bedroom looks great. Image: The Every girl

3. Frame those windows

DO add curtains. Adding curtains will make the apartment feel much more like home. Many big box stores have ready-made curtains these days and many come in different lengths so you may not even have to hem them. stunning colour and it will act as art.

Curtains also provide privacy for apartments. Image: Luxe Interior and Design

4. Changing lighting can have a big impact

DO change the light fixture in the dining area if you can. Save the one that came with the apartment so you can put it back when you move out. Hanging your own fixture in the dining area will add so much to your space. Ikea has one of my favourites for adding personality to an apartment. I’ve used it several times. It’s called the Fillsta and is only $40!

Make sure you use a licensed electrician to do any electrical work.

DO change the ceiling lights to track lights. (Remember save the originals). This also adds so much to the space because you can use the directional light to accent art work on the walls and you do can use the same junction box that the original light was connected to. Track lights are an inexpensive upgrade and can be found at any big box hardware store.

And while we are talking about lighting, DO add dimmer switches to all the overhead lights. It will make a huge difference to all the lighting!

Track lighting can add a modern touch and provide focused ligthing. Image: Vonn

5. Storage

DO look for storage pieces that are also nice to look at and will add to your décor. Baskets are a great way to do this.

DO install a shelf on top of the radiator to add to the storage

This narrow and clever shoe storage unit also acts as a drop zone. Image: Ikea - Hemnes

6. Add some colour by painting furniture

Painting out vintage or old worn out furniture can add real charm to a space and really make it your own.

7. Faucets can update your space instantly

DO change the kitchen and bathroom faucets. If you are going to be there for a while and the bathroom and kitchen look tired, changing the faucets will make a huge difference and are not an expensive upgrade. Home Depot has a wide selection of well priced faucets.